Illinois Summer Lawn Care Guide

Illinois summers are hot and often humid, requiring special attention to prevent stress and disease:

• Watering Strategy: 1-1.5 inches per week, preferably in one or two deep waterings rather than frequent light sprinkling.
• Mowing Height: Raise to 3-3.5 inches to create shade for soil and reduce moisture loss.
• Pest Vigilance: Watch for chinch bugs and Japanese beetles, which are particularly active in Kane and DuPage counties.
• Disease Prevention: Water early morning only (5-9am) to reduce brown patch and dollar spot common in our humid conditions.
• Light Fertilizing: If needed, use only half-strength applications to avoid burn in our summer heat.

Consider allowing certain areas to go dormant during severe drought – Kentucky bluegrass can survive 3-4 weeks of dormancy in our climate.